Catapang seeks El Niño plans

Superintendents of all operating prisons and penal farms nationwide must prepare and submit comprehensive contingency plans in anticipation of projected El Niño conditions, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said.

In a newly issued directive, Catapang emphasized the critical need for prison facilities to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services while safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and BuCor personnel.

The mandated contingency plans should directly address the operational challenges of prolonged heat and severe water shortages.

Facility administrators must outline specific protocols for water management, ensuring the continuous availability of clean water and implementing strict conservation measures.

They must also address maintaining adequate food supplies, reinforcing medical services, improving sanitation, and optimizing facility ventilation.

Establishing rapid emergency response measures tailored to extreme heat scenarios is also essential.

Superintendents were also urged to immediately identify vulnerable PDLs and employees at higher risk of heat-related illness.

The directive requires facilities to establish appropriate monitoring, preventive measures, and clear medical referral procedures to ensure timely intervention.

Catapang said proactive preparedness and tight coordination among prison officials are crucial to maintaining peace and order and preventing any disruptions to correctional operations during the climate event.